Evelyn Akhator

About Evelyn Akhator

The Dallas Wings called her name on draft night in 2017. Osaretin Evelyn Akhator, the 3rd overall pick in the WNBA draft, had arrived.

Born on February 3, 1995, Akhator grew up in Nigeria with basketball as her passion. She developed her game as a forward and center, honing the skills that would catch the attention of professional scouts across the Atlantic.

Her path led to the WNBA, where Dallas selected her early in the 2017 draft. This was no small achievement. The Wings believed in her potential enough to make her a top-three choice.

Akhator's professional career took her beyond American shores. She signed with Landerneau Bretagne Basket of the Ligue Féminine de Basketball in France. Playing at this level kept her competitive at an elite international standard.

As a Nigerian professional basketball player, she represented her country on the global stage. Her selection in the WNBA draft marked a significant moment for African basketball talent.

Akhator's journey showed the caliber of athletes Nigeria produces. From Lagos to Dallas to France, she built a career across continents. Her game—combining height, athleticism and positioning—made her valuable at every stop.

The 2017 WNBA draft class would be remembered for its depth. Akhator secured her place among the best prospects that year. Being drafted 3rd overall meant scouts saw elite potential in her abilities as a forward and center.

Today, Akhator continues her professional basketball career in Europe. Her trajectory from Nigeria to the WNBA to the Ligue Féminine de Basketball demonstrates the pathways available to African athletes willing to compete at the highest levels. She remains one of Nigeria's notable exports in women's professional basketball.